This Japanese right-hand drive car is valued on the secondary market for its affordable price (from 1.8 million rubles) and a durable CVT, but it has a number of shortcomings that you should know about before purchasing. The magazine’s expert Sergei Zinoviev spoke about them.
The main problem for Russian car enthusiasts remains right-hand drive – the car was not officially delivered to the Russian Federation. In addition, owners are faced with a shortage of spare parts and consumables, which complicates maintenance, Zinoviev noted.
According to him, the 1KR-VET turbocharged three-cylinder engine with a volume of 1.0 liters and 98 hp, which is the most popular, causes a lot of trouble. The engine is demanding on fuel (not lower than AI-95), suffers from vibrations, and by 100 thousand kilometers it often requires cleaning from carbon deposits and decoking of deposited rings. The timing chain often requires replacement before the declared resource of 200 thousand kilometers.
The D-CVT variator, despite its design feature (the presence of a planetary gear designed to reduce loads), is not immune to breakdowns. In practice, there have been cases of unit failure after 80-120 thousand kilometers, and repairs can cost 200 thousand rubles.
Stabilizer bushings on Russian roads are often rented out every 15-30 thousand kilometers. The rigid suspension, which although provides handling, does not add comfort. Also, the disadvantages include the “oak”, easily scratched interior plastic and poor sound insulation.
Another annoying thing, according to the specialist, is the operation of the start-stop system, which has to be turned off after each engine start. The fuel tank, with a capacity of only 36 liters, limits the range.
In addition, the lower trim levels have meager equipment: instead of a media system there is a plug, analog instruments, and the steering wheel is not adjustable for reach. All versions have drum brakes at the rear.
At the same time, the expert notes that the model also has strengths: simplicity, comfort, reliability, low weight and high efficiency, as well as an efficient stove.
Earlier it was reported that sales of the updated Tank 700 would start in China.
